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Dementia garden named ‘People’s Choice’ at national design awards
NHS staff in Bromsgrove have been named as the winners of this year’s People’s Choice Award at the prestigious Design in Mental Health Awards for their involvement in Meadow Green – an innovative and therapeutic space for people with dementia.
Ward Manager Sarah Taylor, Occupational Therapist Clare McFadyen, and their colleagues on Meadow Ward were recognised for their creativity and vision in transforming an unused outdoor space into a functional and meaningful environment for their patients.
Located within New Haven at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, Meadow Green is a purpose-built garden designed to offer immersive, interactive experiences that support patient wellbeing.
Unlike traditional dementia-friendly spaces that rely on decorative façades, Meadow Green uses real, adaptable environments. Its standout features include an interactive garden building that can be transformed into a barbershop, café, or post office using props and decorations. A potting shed and tending to the garden’s raised vegetable beds provide patients with safe opportunities for meaningful activity with the support of the wards therapy team.
Sarah Taylor, Ward Manager said,
We’re absolutely thrilled to have won the People’s Choice Award.
It’s a reflection of the passion and teamwork shown by everyone on Meadow Ward to create something truly special for our patients.
Clare McFadyen, Occupational Therapist and Older Adult Inpatient Mental Health AHP Clinical Lead said,
For people living with dementia, being able to safely enjoy everyday activities, such as popping to the shop or doing a bit of gardening can make a huge difference to their overall wellbeing.
Meadow Green helps bring a sense of normality, dignity, and joy into their hospital experience.
The People’s Choice Award, which is voted for by members of the public, recognises projects that have made a real difference to service users and staff. Meadow Green has been widely praised for its originality and impact, both on patient wellbeing and staff morale.
David Singleton, Director of DSA Environment and Design who worked with the Trust to design and build the garden said,
It was a delight to see Clare and Sarah win the People’s Choice Award: a thoroughly deserved recognition for not only their hard work but their original thinking and determination to make a difference in dementia care.
The win follows last year’s success, where Meadow Green was named Best Outdoor Space.
This latest recognition cements its place as a standout example of innovation in dementia care design.